a degree of secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a degree of secrecy" is correct and usable in written English
It can be used when discussing the level or extent of confidentiality or hidden information in a situation. Example: "The negotiations were conducted with a degree of secrecy to protect sensitive information from being leaked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A degree of secrecy was a must.

The New York Times

Where privacy and confidentiality are involved, a degree of secrecy is often necessary to do justice.

The Guardian

At the same time, no democracy can operate without a degree of secrecy, during times of peace as well as war.

The New York Times

The Sterling operation was shrouded in a degree of secrecy from the time Mr. Luitingh and a small group of South Africans traveling in a private plane first touched down in Bosasso, Puntland's capital, in 2010.

The New York Times

Shuffling, as casino card dealers and others know, is a job that necessitates a degree of secrecy, and lady luck was again not dealing Jeremy Corbyn a favourable hand.

Independent

"A degree of secrecy is often necessary to do justice, but where secrecy is ordered, it should only be to the extent strictly necessary to achieve the interests of justice," committee director David Neuberger argued at the time.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Delaware provides a degree of corporate secrecy for those who operate there that makes it highly significant.

Forbes

That should remain, as it currently is, shrouded in a necessary degree of secrecy.

The New York Times

Handlers must keep inventories, which customs can request to see.In practice, however, clients can still be sure of a high degree of secrecy.

The Economist

Unlike the intelligence agencies of the United States and the former Soviet Union, those of the United Kingdom historically have preserved a high degree of secrecy concerning their organization and operations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The legal case against Mr. Holmes has proceeded with a high degree of secrecy, with the bulk of the case file hidden by court order from public view.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a degree of secrecy" when you want to indicate that information is not entirely public but not completely hidden either. It suggests a partial concealment rather than absolute opacity.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of secrecy" when referring to matters that are entirely public or completely hidden. The phrase implies a middle ground between full disclosure and complete concealment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of secrecy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement within a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates a partial or limited state of hiddenness or confidentiality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a degree of secrecy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a partial or limited concealment of information. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI and the provided examples, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Academia, suggesting its broad applicability across different contexts. While the phrase itself is relatively neutral in tone, careful consideration should be given to ensure the described situation genuinely reflects a state of partial, rather than complete, hiddenness. Related alternatives include phrases such as "a level of confidentiality" and "a measure of concealment", each offering subtly different connotations. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Some degree of confidentiality

Similar to the original, but with slightly less emphasis.

A level of confidentiality

Emphasizes the measure of keeping things private.

A measure of concealment

Focuses on the act of hiding something.

A certain level of privacy

Highlights the aspect of personal information being protected.

A veil of secrecy

Implies a more opaque and encompassing form of concealment.

A shroud of mystery

Suggests not only secrecy but also an element of intrigue.

A climate of discretion

Refers to an environment where sensitive information is handled carefully.

Restricted access

Focuses on limiting who can see or use particular information.

Limited disclosure

Highlights the act of revealing only certain parts of the information.

Classified information

Denotes that information is officially protected from unauthorized access.

FAQs

How can I use "a degree of secrecy" in a sentence?

You can use "a degree of secrecy" to describe situations where information is partially concealed, such as "The negotiations were conducted with "a degree of secrecy" to protect sensitive details".

What are some alternatives to "a degree of secrecy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a level of confidentiality", "a measure of concealment", or "a veil of secrecy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a degree of secrecy"?

Yes, "a degree of secrecy" is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal and informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "a degree of secrecy" versus "complete secrecy"?

"A degree of secrecy" is suitable when some information is known, but full details are not disclosed. "Complete secrecy" implies that no information is available to the public.